Being in general an aerobic exercise, dance brings well known benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, weight control and other ones commonly associated with physical fitness. In addition, a considerable effect of dancing on psychological well-being is noted.
A large amount of governmental, health and educational information is available extolling the benefits of dance for health.[1]
Dance pads have proven useful in tackling obesity in young people and are welcomed in many schools for that reason.[2]
A report by Professor Tim Watson and Dr Andrew Garrett of the
University of Hertfordshire compared members of the Royal Ballet with a
squad of British national and international swimmers. The dancers scored
higher than the swimmers in seven out of ten areas of fitness.[3]
An Italian study in 2006 has shown that dance is a very good exercise for heart patients compared to other aerobic exercises like cycling. This may be partly because the patients enjoyed it much more.[4][5]
A study in New York in 2003 has shown that cognitive activities like crosswords help ward off dementia but, except for ballroom dancing, most physical activities do not.[6][7]
A recent study done in Perth Western Australia by Debbie Duignan (WA
Alzheimers Association) explored the use of Wu Tao Dance as a therapy
for people with dementia. It was shown that Wu Tao, dance therapy that
works to balance energy in the body, similar to T'ai chi, helped to reduce symptoms of agitation in people with dementia.[8]
A study at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine in 2007 showed Argentine tango was better at improving the mobility of Parkinson's disease sufferers than an exercise class[9]
(a later study showed similar benefits from T'ai chi). Because of the
level of interest a permanent tango class was set up after the study
ended.
A study by Dr Paul Dougall at Strathclyde University in 2010 concentrating on older women found that Scottish country dancers
were more agile, have stronger legs and can walk more briskly than
people of the same age who took part in exercises such as swimming,
walking, golf and keep-fit classes.[10]
Another gain of dancing is for those who have high cholesterol, plus drugs and adequate food, dancing can draw. As an aerobic exercise abridged levels of total blood cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, acknowledged as bad and helps boost levels of HDL or good cholesterol.[11]
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